Mardi Himal Trek: A Different Experience in Annapurna Region
It won’t be wrong if we call Nepal as the Trekking-Heaven; there are several majestic and worthwhile trek, you can embark on, and amid all the popular ones, Mardi Himal Trek is also an applauded one.
Although a short one, Mardi Himal trek is a remarkable journey in the Annapurna region of Nepal. Often referred to as “hidden gem,” a few trekkers make their way towards the Mardi Himal Base Camp trek. Thanks to the less influx of trekkers, Mardi Himal Trek is an opportunity to walk in off-beaten-trail-path of Nepal unraveling the least-seen beauty of most visit trekking region, Annapurna.
MORE ABOUT MARDI HIMAL AND MARDI HIMAL TREK
Mardi Himal is located at an elevation of 5,587 meters in the Annapurna region, and the proximity it shares with Pokhara is less than 20 km. Of all the mountains in Annapurna massif, Mardi is the southernmost summit. Discovered in 1953, the peak was first scaled in 1961 via east side.
Although Mardi Himal lies at a very considerable elevation, its summit from south face has so far not been successful.
Mardi Himal trek is a newly opened trail in the Annapurna region, in early 2012. Since then, it has established as a popular trekking trail in western Annapurna region which is located east of Modi Khola across the valley of Hiunchuli.
The trek is towards the base camp of Mardi Himal, at 4,500 meters elevation, which is outstandingly located at the base of Mardi Himal and the impressive Machhapuchhre “Fishtail.”
Starting through the delightful rhododendron forest, the trail further walks in rhododendron forest with gradual uphill, and you will climb out of the forest at an elevation of 3,000 meters. Then, the landscape changes quite abruptly into a rugged high mountain landscape, with a spectacular view of Annapurna South, Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South.
Get a list of Best Off-the-beaten-path Trails in Nepal
IS MARDI HIMAL TREK INDEPENDENTLY DOABLE?
Mardi Himal Trek is one of the very sought out trek after Ghorepani Poon Hill in the Annapurna region. You reach 4,500 meters at the base camp of Mardi Himal, and as the elevation we reach is not too high, it is often a matter of query for trekkers, is Mardi Himal Trek is independently possible?
Well, Mardi Himal trek is one of the top trekking destinations that can be possible as an independent trek as well. It is a short trek, without the extreme threat of altitude sickness, so even being alone in the journey you can manage. Further, there are enough tea houses and guest houses in your service for food and accommodation, so you don’t have to tire yourself with heavy packing.
The trail of Mardi Himal trek is also marked with blue and white flags for trekkers convenience. So, just pack your bag carefully and go on for Mardi Himal Trek on your own.
No, just independently, Mardi Himal trek is also perfect for family trekking.
MARDI HIMAL TREK HIGHLIGHTS
Showcase of Natural and Cultural Beauty
Located in the Annapurna Region, the natural wonder you witness in Mardi Himal trek is no less than any other long treks. From Himalaya mountain fed glaciers to stunning waterfalls and breathtaking landscape of towering peaks, Mardi Himal trek offers the most pleasant journey in a short period of time. Varied range of vegetation, soaring rivers and streams and picturesque scenery of green hills, keeps the charm of trek throughout the journey.
Also, the route of the trek comprises several traditional settlements by various ethnic groups like Magar, Gurung, Brahmins, and Chhetris. You will witness a unique display of Hinduism and Buddhism practice.
Least Visited Off-the-beaten-path
As a recently discovered route, Mardi Himal trek has been walked by a very fewer number of trekkers. Although it lies in the most popular trekking region of Nepal, its beauty is still intact and unspoiled. Relatively Mardi Himal trek is very serene, with very less number of trekkers than other popular treks.
The routes are still new, filled with un-trodden trails, remote and distant settlements, an incredible panorama of snow-capped mountains, lush green forest, and the most vivid and scenic landscape. Why trek in the crowded trails, when you can have the same experience in relatively quiet trails?
Stunning View of Himalayas
In Mardi Himal Trek, as you scale up the mesmerizing mountains comes into show. In this short journey, you will get a view of some of the tallest mountains including Annapurna I (8,091 meters) Dhaulagiri (8,167 meters), and others like Machhapuchhare (6,993 meters), Annapurna South (7,010 meters), Hiunchuli (6,441) and Mardi Himal itself (5,587 meters).
No matter how tired you get in Mardi Himal trek, the enticing view of Himalayas will keep you mesmerized.
Settlements with rich hospitality
Living in the remote area of Himalayan and Hilly region, people you encounter in this trek have been living in there for generations. Without any touch of modernity, their old culture and traditions are the ultimate way of their life. They enjoy their rural life and welcoming guests in the best way is their utmost culture.
Villages like Phedi, Pothana, Siding, and Landruk are some of the typical villages who adhere to their own culture and identity. So, do enjoy their warm hospitality, authentic cuisine, and the well-behaved manner of locals in Mardi Himal Trek.
Poon Hill
Poon Hill trek is already a popular short trek in Nepal, and it might confuse you how it came to be one of the highlights of Mardi Himal Trek? – Well, Poon Hill doesn’t come under the typical itinerary of Mardi Himal trek, however, as both treks are within the Annapurna region, there are trails from where you can pave your way towards Poon Hill trek.
Also Read: Poon Hill – 4 Days Trek
WHAT IS MARDI HIMAL TREK BEST SEASON?
October to November is the most favorite time of the year for trekking in Nepal and for Mardi Himal trek as well, you will have the best experience in this time of year.
Likewise, from March to May (Spring) is another ideal season for embarking on Mardi Himal Trek. You will see the days are crystal clear, allowing the most unobstructed view of the Himalayas and hilly panorama.
From December to February is the winter season, where the climate is more chilly than any time of year. Trekking in this time of year, the skies are clear, but the days very cold, especially the night is extreme. Mardi Himal Trek in December or any month of winter is doable; you have to be cautious, as snowfall and cold can add challenge in the trek.
May and June are the pre-monsoon season and trekking all the way can be very hot indeed. However, nights are a bit chilly. During this time, you will see the flowers starting to bloom and green leaves appearing in the trees. As the elevation on Mardi Himal Trek is not very high, you can accomplish it in these months too.
Now, talking about the monsoon season, which is characterized by heavy rainfalls, it won’t be best for going in Mardi Himal trek during this time. From June to mid-September, the threat of rainfall exists at any time of the day. And it is not just the rain, which obstructs the journey, slippery trails and leeches are problems too. Even during these situations, Mardi Himal trek is possible.
MARDI HIMAL TREK ROUTES
Trekking never has a rigid route; there are crossovers from where you can re-direct the trek. One trek can be easily connected with other. In Mardi Himal Trek, there are three popular routes; one is the usual route to base camp and back, another is joining Poon Hill, and next is along with Annapurna Base Camp.
Mardi Himal Trek
It takes around 5-8 days to complete the Mardi Himal Trek.
The trekking with a drive to Kande from Pokhara, from where we move towards Deurali. Continuing the trek, then comes Low Camp (2,900 meters), High Camp (3,585 meters) and finally the base camp of Mardi Himal (4,500 meters).
While descending back from base camp, we follow different trails to Siding village, Lumare and drive back to Pokhara.
Mardi Himal Poon Hill Trek
In Mardi Himal Poon Trek, we first explore the Poon Hill and then move towards the route of Mardi Himal trek.
It starts from a drive to Nayapul and treks to Ghorepani, Poon Hill, Ghandruk and Deurali, from where joins the trail of Mardi Himal Trek.
The whole journey takes around ten days of time.
Classical Annapurna Base Camp Trek – 14 Days
Annapurna Base Camp Mardi Himal Trek
You can join Mardi Himal Trek, with the classical Annapurna Base Camp trek. As Annapurna Base Camp trek is already popular, you can further enjoy the journey in off-the-beaten-path trails of Mardi Himal Trek.
We start this trek from Naypul from where we scale up and pass by villages of Ghorepani, Tadapani, Chhmorong, Dovan, and Deurali, before arriving at Annapurna Base Camp.
Then, descending back to Deurali, we trek for Mardi Himal Base Camp.
It is not always the Annapurna Base Camp; you can start the trek from either of them and can adjoin them.
